Made by a Fabricista: The Camas Blouse by Thread Theory

Did you know that Fabric Mart sells patterns?  Well if you didn't, now you do!  Here is a link to the patterns tab just in case you want to investigate.  :)

Fabric Mart's sewing pattern collection

I've never tried a women's Thread Theory pattern and had to try this Camas Blouse pattern.  Is this cute for summer or what?

                 

This is a loose-fitting top that can be made in a stretch woven or a knit.  As you can see from the above photo, it has front yokes, a banded front and neckline.

 As a bonus, this was fun to put together!

I used a linen knit.  Yes, linen is a uber soft knit that is so light and comfortable that I can't wait for the weather to get super hot and humid to try this out. 

With a linen knit, you just need to take your time and sew with care, just like you would with any other fabric, right?

That back yoke is really cute!  Both yokes (front and back) are self lined.  I decided to stabilize the shoulder seam with clear elastic on both the lining and the main top seams--just as a precaution. 

Look how nice those gathers are!  (If I do say so myself!)  Working with this fabric is not at all difficult nor should you worry about the results.  Like I said, just take a few precautions.

I used a size 65 or 9 stretch needle.  I always use a new needle with every new project.

Since this garment is rather loose fitting, I tested and the buttonholes do not need to work, so I eliminated those and just sewed the buttons on the front plackets. This very easily slips on and off over my head.

Here you can see a one of the precautions I took.  The other one that I thought I had photographed but forgot I will have to tell you about.  I used a fusible interfacing made for knits on the plackets.  This gave me just the right amount of stability.  However, I must say that prior to stitching on the plackets I used stay tape on the front of the top and stitched it so just a tiny bit (1/8") extended past the seamline on the wrong side.  

If you do this very easy step, no knit should ever even consider stretching out on you.  After you construct the front bands, fold them to the inside, and secure with topstitching, you will never feel it on your skin nor will you see it.

I so enjoyed sewing this top with this beautiful linen knit.  

If you've never tried linen knit you are missing out on a great experience!  Just remember it is lightweight, and depending on your design, you might need some simple and fast precautionary measures.  

Thanks for reading!

Sue from Ilove2sew!